Friendship Torch Finale – Olympic-inspired celebration brought together over 700 local children in flash mob-style parade

More than 700 Coventry schoolchildren and teachers gathered at the University of Warwick today for the grand finale of the Flame of Friendship project.

The event, held at the university’s sports and wellbeing hub, brought together 63 schools in a colourful and lively parade inspired by the upcoming Paris Olympics, including a flash-mob performance of an Olympic-themed dance choreographed by the Royal Opera House.

A bespoke Olympic torch was designed especially for the event in a competition that saw over 2,000 children enter. The winning entry from Finham Park School was then brought to life by the WMG team and Rugby College T-level students.

Kerry Baker, Deputy Director of the Warwick Institute of Engagement, said: “This project has been about sharing the spirit of the Olympic Games, international connections, sharing culture and ideas, all in a wonderful display of regional collaboration. Working with local schools has been a joy and to see it all come together for today’s final event is fantastic.”

As the Olympic torch travels around the world, the Flame of Friendship has passed through 63 schools, starting at Coventry Cathedral in February and ending at the final event on campus.

The performance was then watched by more than 700 people Participants taking part in a vibrant and colourful parade to the Sports and Wellness Hub for the closing ceremony, with speeches from the Mayor of Coventry, Leader of Coventry City Council and Pro-Vice-Chancellor Michael Scott.

Rebecca Bollands, headteacher of Earlsdon Primary School, who led the project, said: “It’s wonderful to see the project come to a close. It’s great to see all the schools, the Royal Opera House and the steel band joining us for the final day. We’re very grateful to the college for their fantastic support and for being able to host the final parade.”

To ensure that all 63 participating schools could share in the excitement, the event was livestreamed, allowing students and teachers who were unable to attend in person to join in virtually. Additionally, a recording of the parade and closing ceremony will be made available as a permanent memento, ensuring that memories of this remarkable project can be cherished for years to come.

Professor Michael Scott, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International), said: “At the University of Warwick, we are delighted to welcome over 700 local children to our campus to celebrate the power and importance of international collaboration and cultural exchange embodied in the upcoming Olympic Games.

The event was a wonderful opportunity to witness the joy and excitement of children discovering and appreciating the diversity of cultures from countries around the world. This celebration, organized by the Resonate Festival team, is also part of the university’s new Marco Polo International Program, which underscores our commitment to fostering global connections and understanding.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

Video sequences available
Handheld and drone footage of the finale and launch event is available upon request.

About the Flame of Friendship
The Flame of Friendship project was an activity organised by Coventry schools, led by Earlsdon Primary School and supported by the Warwick Institute of Engagement on behalf of the University of Warwick. The event celebrated friendship, teamwork, sport and international collegiality, and provided many opportunities for students, the community and the University to get involved.